GAINESVILLE, Fla. – December 14, 2018 – Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Interim President/CEO Eric Godet, Sr. has been appointed permanent head of the business organization’s operations.

Godet assumes full leadership of the Chamber at an important time in Greater Gainesville’s history as economic development, public policy, education and employment initiatives are continuously making headlines.

“Greater Gainesville is undergoing a period of accelerated growth, and there is a lot of energy and vibrancy in many parts of our community,” said Godet. “Growth is essential for survival, and if we’re smart about this growth, we can ensure that it is sustainable and that everyone in our community can enjoy its benefits. I hear the calls for greater unity, and I believe the best way to achieve unity is to focus on the opportunities that we all can agree will benefit the community the most. There are already so many examples of close cooperation between city, county, Chamber, community organizations and our many institutions, and I intend to create more. I see a great future in store for the Gainesville region.”

Godet was named Interim President/CEO of the Chamber in August. Prior to the appointment he chaired the Chamber’s public policy committee as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors. Godet served as Chairman of the Council for Economic Outreach in 2009 and Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2010 for the Chamber. Godet has also served as president/CEO of Godet Industries International, a vice president at Haven Hospice and a founding member of RTI Surgical.

“As the selection process progressed it became clear that we had an excellent candidate right here in the community—someone with close ties to so many institutions and organizations—and he just so happened to already be occupying the corner office at the Chamber,” said Kevin Monroe, Chairman of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. “I am delighted that Eric agreed to take the helm as we—as an organization—reimagine and hone our vision of what the Chamber can do to further enhance the quality of life in the Greater Gainesville area. I truly believe his deep roots in the community, his experience serving in volunteer Chamber leadership roles and his ability to bring diverse groups to consensus will enhance prospects for our members and for the entire community.”

About the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in the Gainesville area since 1924. Representing over 1,300 members that employ more than 80,000 people, the Chamber is leading the effort to make the Gainesville region a global hub for talent, innovation and opportunity. The Chamber is 5-Star Accredited by the United States Chamber of Commerce, putting it in the top 1% of all Chambers nationwide. Learn more at www.GainesvilleChamber.comor call us at 352.334.7100.